The third annual Pink Warrior Luncheon in honor of late Jacksboro native Jennifer Nichols Gasca is set for Oct. 19 at JR’s Chophouse. Thank you to all our wonderful donors and supporters!!
If you missed out on a seat at this year’s event, you can still support Faith Community Health System’s Charitable Foundation’s efforts to support community members fighting cancer by purchasing tickets to win one of two gorgeous purses – a Gucci and Louis Vuitton. If you would like to make a cash donation or purchase a raffle ticket – 1 for $10, 5 for $25 – email Leslie Chalmers at lchalmers@beyondfaithhospice.com to coordinate payment and raffle ticket receipt.
At the event, Leslie Chalmers, president of Faith Community Health System’s Charitable Foundation for the past four years, is looking forward to honoring her longtime best friend Jennifer, who lost her second battle with breast cancer on Sept. 25, 2020.
The Pink Warrior Luncheon raises money towards the Foundation’s Cancer Support by Faith program. The foundation launched this program to help cancer patients defray non-medical costs associated with cancer treatment. If you or someone you love needs financial assistance to cover doctor’s visits, treatments, hotel expenses, daycare, etc, please email the Foundation at cancersupportbyfaith@fchtexas.com to learn more about how the Foundation can help.
The Foundation was founded to be a support system for the hospital. “We look to take care of needs not budgeted for,” Chalmers said.
The Foundation played a big role in raising money to develop the Swan Family Wellness Center and is excited about its newest program – making baby baskets filled with necessities for mom and baby.
Chalmers, who is the director of marketing at Beyond Faith Hospice, said the Foundation recently made a sizable donation to help a local woman suffering from breast cancer pay for care. In turn, Beyond Faith Hospice matched the donation.
Remembering Jennifer
The idea for the Pink Warrior Luncheon came from the Parker County Pink Luncheon in Weatherford. Chalmers wanted to do something locally for Jennifer since Jacksboro was the place she always called “home.” In high school, Jennifer was always excited to cheer on the football crowds dressed as the team’s beloved mascot.
The first Pink Warrior Luncheon was held in 2021, a month after Jennifer passed. That year, there were 17 tables of guests and $13,000 was raised. A year later, there were 21 tables purchased for the event. Chalmers said more than $38,000 was raised to support local community members fighting cancer.
At this year’s event, 22 tables will pack JR’s beautiful outside space. In fact, Chalmers expects over 200 people to attend including Jennifer’s husband, Chris, her four children and many family members and friends. Chalmers said the Foundation hopes to raise well over $40,000 from this year’s event which will once again feature a silent auction and coveted raffle prizes.
Visit the Pink Warrior Facebook page to share your memories, learn about upcoming events and inquire about raffle tickets for this year’s luncheon at: https://www.facebook.com/ThePinkWarriorLuncheon
“The community has embraced this event in such a wonderful way. Everyone had such a respect for Jennifer. They know how hard she fought,” Chalmers said. “I promised Jennifer I would always continue to tell her story and she was the ultimate Pink Warrior. She will always be ‘Toughie the Tiger’ to me.”